Baking is a relaxing experience for many people. There is an enjoyment to the precision required to make a perfectly fluffy cake, chewy gooey cookies, or airy loaf of bread. Everything is wonderful until it comes time to clean the pan or tray in which you baked your goods. The cleanup process usually involves a lot of soaking and scrubbing. We can say for a fact that nobody likes that part. 

What do you do to minimize the dishes you have to do? If you are like most, you either use aluminum foil (not the healthiest choice) or silicone trays or mats. You can use silicone bakeware to easily remove gummy items, lotion bars, household staples, or cupcakes and muffins. The use of silicone molds may spark this question: Is it safe? Well, that truly depends, but we aim to answer it in this article.

What Is Silicone?

Before we get into cooking with silicone, it’s integral to understand the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone. Although these substances are related, they are not the same. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicon: This is a natural element, meaning it cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant particle on the earth. It is used in many industries, including solar energy, construction, and electronics. Silicon Valley, anyone?
• Silica: This compound is made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is a primary component of the Earth’s crust and is naturally occurring in nature. It shows up in ceramics, abrasives, and glass manufacturing. You can also find silica in the human body, with some research indicating potential health benefits. 
• Silicone: You can create silicone, a synthetic polymer, by adding carbon or oxygen to silicon. It exists as a liquid, gel, or solid and is commonly used in the medical field. It exists in medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It is considered safe for these uses, and is very common in cooking utensils and bakeware. 

Is Cooking With Silicone Safe?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone is safe and approved for use in a variety of kitchen products. Food-grade silicone has been tested and certified by the FDA to be safe for contact with food. Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware. It is made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a synthetic polymer. It has a superior ability to withstand heat, it is non-stick, and it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Popular silicone bakeware items include cupcake liners, food storage containers, ice cube trays, baking molds, and reusable straws.

Benefits Of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware items are sturdy, convenient, and last a lot longer when made with silicone rubber. These molds can go straight from the oven to the freezer, or vice versa, without affecting their integrity. They have a higher resistance to high heat and are safe for human health, even after extensive use. Continue reading for more benefits. 

Easy-to-Clean

Silicone bake mats, molds, and other products are usually easy to clean. They are highly flexible, which makes it easy to get things in and out of them, allowing for easier cleanup. Silicone bakeware tends to be dishwasher-safe, but you can easily wash the items by hand. It has a smooth surface and tends to resist stains, so it won’t retain odors. 

Non-Stick

Silicone bakeware is usually more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That is highly convenient for muffin cups and cake pans. The natural non-stick properties mean that you don’t need to oil or grease before use, although a little oil never hurts. By not using excess grease or oil, you can reduce the amount of added fats in baking. 

Reusable

It is very easy to use parchment paper or aluminum foil when baking, especially if you are trying to save yourself excess cleaning. Silicone is very durable and can withstand repeated use. It is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. People tend to choose silicone for these reasons, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to foil, cupcake liners, and more.

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There is a time and place for medication. Some people require them to ease their health issues, but too many medications come with a long list of side effects. One of the most common side effects is heartburn because certain medications irritate the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. That can cause heartburn pain that is similar to the pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Although some medications cause heartburn or make it worse, others can actually relieve heartburn. Typically, the ones that cause heartburn include iron or potassium supplements, antibiotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. Want to know if a medication you take is responsible for the heartburn you experience? Read on to learn which medications cause heartburn.

Aspirin

Whether you take it to ease your headaches or reduce the risk of heart attack, aspirin increases heartburn in those who already have it. The reason for this is because aspirin promotes more acid production in the stomach. Aspirin prevents the body from forming protecting prostaglandins in the digestive tract. The body makes prostaglandins, which act like hormones, and the ones in the stomach prevent cells in the stomach wall from producing and releasing acid.

Sleeping Pills And Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), work to relieve anxiety and aid relaxation. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which may cause heartburn. The unfortunate reality is that most people lie down after taking these medications. Lying down can increase the severity of acid reflux because reclining prevents gravity from keeping stomach acid down, meaning it can get into the esophagus. 

Iron Supplements

Iron supplementation is typically reserved as a treatment for people with iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can irritate the lining of the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux. According to research, iron erodes the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron pill-induced gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) has only been documented in people who take iron supplements in pill form, not liquid form. 

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen products, such as Motrin or Advil, can help mitigate pain, but may cause heartburn. These products increase acid production in the stomach and reduce protective prostaglandins. According to gastroenterologists, oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) can be better for the stomach than taking six Motrin tablets per day. That said, some narcotics cause heartburn and are habit-forming; not to mention, they can cause constipation. 

Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements can help regulate blood pressure, but they can also irritate the esophageal lining. Now, that isn’t to say that every person who takes potassium supplements will experience heartburn. You can reduce your chances of heartburn by taking the supplements while sitting up and drinking plenty of water with them. No matter what supplement you take, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting. The FDA minimally regulates dietary supplements and their effects vary from person to person. If you are nervous about dosage or negative interactions with current medications, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants, work in a specific way and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, some older tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or amitriptyline, may cause heartburn because they slow how quickly the stomach empties. Tricyclic antidepressants can also relax the LES, which increases the risk of heartburn.

Antibiotics

Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat common bacterial infections. One of the drawbacks is that they can cause heartburn. If you tend to experience heartburn regularly and require antibiotics, consult your health care provider to get one that is gentle on the stomach and esophagus. An enteric-coated pill may be less abrasive because the coating keeps the pill intact as it passes through the stomach. That means it dissolves in the small intestine, not your stomach.

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Are nutrition labels inaccurate? The food labeling regulations from the FDA allow for a 20% margin of error. For anything that says there is a certain amount of carbs, calories, or sugars in it, there could be up to 20% more.

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Antibiotics have been given to farm animals to have them gain weight quickly, as well as ward off diseases. Unfortunately the antibiotics given to livestock can result in a superbug, not only on the animals but on the ones who consume it as well. While the FDA was supposed to be more strict, there seems to be no change.

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Will you still be able to taste the rainbow in California, or are Skittles disappearing from the sunshine state? This question is fresh in the minds of Californians, given the passing of a recent bill, which aims to change some ingredients found in America’s popular candies and snacks. The four ingredients included in the ban include:

• Red Dye No. 3
• Brominated Vegetable Oil
• Potassium Bromate
• Propylparaben

Titanium dioxide was another ingredient originally included in the bill, and an ingredient in Skittles candy. That is why people believed that Skittles would disappear from California, but it was dropped from the ban. Skittles do contain titanium dioxide, but they don’t have any of the other four ingredients listed above. That means that the candy will be safe from any major changes, at least for now. 

What Is The Skittles Ban?

Assembly Bill (AB) 418, or the Skittles ban, was introduced to legislation by Jesse Gabriel, a Democratic assembly member from Woodland Hills, California. AB418 essentially aimed to ban the sale of processed foods, which contained dangerous or toxic chemicals, in California. It quickly became known as the Skittles ban, which Mars, the makers of Skittles, strongly opposed. 

In fact, Mars made a statement saying that chocolate and candy are safe to enjoy, and have been for centuries. Mars company opposes AB418 because it claims that no evidence supports banning the ingredients listed in the bill. According to Mars’ statement, those ingredients in the ban have all been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company continued to say that food safety is a number one priority, and it doesn’t include any ingredients that do not comply with FDA safety standards. 

Although Mars is not incorrect in saying that these ingredients are FDA-approved, that doesn’t mean that the ingredients are healthy for you. When eaten in high amounts, these ingredients can lead to health complications, especially if they aren’t balanced by exercise and a balanced diet. 

What About The Future Of The Ban?

According to Gabriel, he does not want to ban Skittles; rather, he wants to make American treats less “dangerous” to eat. He said that the idea behind this ban is for companies to make small modifications to recipes in order to exclude dangerous and toxic chemicals. In the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other nations around the world, bans on these chemicals are in place. That means that Skittles and other brands already made changes to recipes. The idea is to do the same thing in the United States. 

Red Dye No. 3, for example, can contribute to potential cancer risk, according to some studies. Additionally, artificial food dyes, such as Red Dye No. 3, may contribute neurobehavioral problems in children, including hyperactivity. It is a synthetic dye primarily derived from petroleum. This dye has been banned for decades in makeup and topical medications because it was linked to cancer. What makes it okay to consume in various foods, oral drugs, or dietary supplements? 

Although Skittles may be off the hook for now, there are up to 12,000 food products that still contain the banned chemicals in AB418. Peeps, the popular Easter candy, contains Red Dye No. 3, but the banning of an ingredient doesn’t mean the product goes away. Additionally, the bill doesn’t go into effect until 2027, which gives manufacturers time to change their recipes to continue sales in California. If they don’t want to change the recipe, they can decide not to sell their product in an entire state.

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A study from a few years ago found that the body can absorb seven chemicals, commonly found in sunscreens, after a single application. Researchers noted that the presence of these chemicals in the bloodstream exceeded safety thresholds. While that is alarming in and of itself, another alarming point is that those chemicals weren’t fully tested for safety, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

If your skin absorbs an ingredient and it goes into the bloodstream, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research doesn’t deem that to be unsafe. Rather, it just calls for further industry testing to determine the safety and efficacy of an ingredient. Additionally, more studies are necessary to determine the systemic exposure to sunscreen ingredients, especially with chronic use in the summertime. That’s why people should not stop using sunscreen, but they should pay closer attention to the ingredient lists. 

What Do Findings Reveal About Sunscreen Chemicals?

The 2020 study tested whether or not six common sunscreen ingredients exceeded 0.5 nanogram per milliliter of blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends additional safety testing for products that enter the bloodstream in higher concentrations. Scientists conducted blood tests on 48 adults to look for those six common chemicals in commercial sunscreens. Those chemicals are detailed below:

• Oxybenzone
• Avobenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate

Those chemicals are found in chemical sunscreens, while the two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. On the first day of the study, participants were required to apply one of four different types of sunscreen: three sprays and one lotion. For the next three days, researchers asked the participants to reapply one of those four options every two hours. 

All six chemicals entered the bloodstream at levels that exceeded the FDA threshold for recommending additional safety testing after a single application. The concentration of those chemicals increased throughout the study. 

What Do Researchers Think? 

For years, researchers have known that certain chemicals in sunscreens can seep into the bloodstream. That study from 2020 indicated that chemicals from commercial sunscreens can soak into the blood after a single application. Additionally, they can remain in the body at levels above the FDA threshold for safety tests for more than two weeks. Those results matter because you should be aware of what you put on and in your body. That study, however, doesn’t suggest that all chemicals in sunscreens are harmful. 

Previous research, however, found that certain chemicals in sunscreens were linked to neurological and hormonal problems. The results from those human and animal studies were mixed. Plus, those studies tested exposures that were much higher than people would typically have from applying sunscreen in real life scenarios.  

Minerals Sunscreens May Be Great Alternatives

In 2019, the FDA proposed a rule asking sunscreen manufacturers to provide more safety information on active ingredients. The two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens don’t enter the bloodstream at concentrations that raise safety concerns. That means that consumers who want to avoid harmful chemicals should opt for zinc oxide-based formulations, according to dermatologists. Although mineral sunscreens are safe, they can leave a sticky or chalky residue behind after application. 

You should not stop using sunscreen because it is an important part of protection against UV rays. Ideally, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and don’t apply sunscreen if you are wet (straight from the water) or sweaty. If you plan on going in the water, make sure to wait at least 15 minutes after sunscreen application for optimal protection.

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Unilever has recalled dry shampoo aerosol products sold across the nation due to elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The recent recall is the newest of half a dozen in this year alone. Benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, has shown up in several product recalls, including those for deodorant, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen. 

For the current recall, certain Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI, and TRESemmé aerosol dry shampoos showed the potential presence of benzene. These products were produced prior to October 2021 and were distributed to retailers nationwide. Products include Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness, Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist, Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive, and Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut. 

What Is Benzene?

To put it simply: benzene is a bad molecule for you. It tops the FDA’s list of about 70 solvents to avoid, and there is no argument about whether or not it can cause cancer in humans. Exposure to benzene can occur via inhalation, orally, and through the skin. Too much exposure can result in certain cancers, including leukemia and blood cancer, according to the recall notice. This isn’t to say that people who used one or more of the recalled products containing benzene will get cancer, though. It is, however, a problematic compound that you should keep an eye out for when purchasing products. Even small amounts of benzene can lead to major consequences. For example, there was a global recall of Perrier after benzene was found in bottles of that mineral water 30 years ago.

It is important to note that benzene was not an ingredient in any of the recalled products. Scientists believe that it came about as the result of other petroleum products like butane. If butane is not refined properly, it can end up containing other components, including benzene. The more scientists examined the recalled products, though, the more benzene they found. There were petitions in 2021 to recall products after studies detected benzene in 54% of the 108 batches from 30 brands of body spray products. According to an internal probe by Unilever, the propellant was identified as the source. The company is currently working with propellant suppliers to address the issue. 

Benzene Is Very Common

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed that benzene is one of the most commonly made products in the U.S. It is present in gasoline and cigarette smoke. Common exposure to benzene is by breathing the chemical in the air, but absorbing it through the skin is very easy. It seems that the most common products that get recalled for possible benzene presence are aerosol products. For example, Unilever recalled two Suave 24-hour protection aerosol antiperspirants in March 2022. Procter & Gamble also recalled aerosol dry shampoo and condition spray products from six brands sold nationwide in December 2021. 

What Should You Do?

If you have any of the dry shampoos mentioned in this article, you should stop using them immediately. Consider avoiding products from Unilever, as this is the second recall this year involving products possibly containing benzene. Unilever is a conglomerate that sells about 400 products worldwide, from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Additionally, L’Oréal and other parties are being sued over claims about chemical hair-straightening products that increase women’s risk of uterine cancer.

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At any given moment, there are millions, perhaps billions, of people who want to lose weight or cut down on calories. In an effort to be healthier, many people switch to artificial sweeteners, which are commonly in pudding, candy, jams and jellies, diet soft drinks, and dairy products. While the zero-calorie or low-calorie aspect may seem enticing, consuming artificial sweeteners may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

The study followed more than 100,000 adults for about a decade, making it among the largest to date to identify heart-related problems with sugar substitutes. The BMJ noted that artificial sweeteners increased the overall risk of any form of cardiovascular disease by 9%. Consuming artificial sweeteners increased the risk of stroke by 18%. Additionally, the participants in the study experienced an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, which refers to a group of conditions that affect blood flow to the brain.

The BMJ Study

At the beginning of the study none of the participants had a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Nobody was diagnosed with either of these conditions during the first two years of the study. Over these initial two years, participants completed five food questionnaires, which revealed that 37% of them consumed artificial sweeteners. Those who did consumed an average of 43 milligrams (mg) per day. That is roughly the amount in one tabletop sweetener packet. People with the highest artificial sweetener consumption ingested about 78 mg per day, while participants who consumed the least took in 7.5 mg per day.

Over the course of the study, there were 1,502 cardiovascular events, including strokes, heart attacks, clogging of blood vessels, and more. There were also medical procedures that had to restore blood flow in the obstructed arteries or veins. According to researchers, the annual absolute risk of cardiovascular disease was 314 cases per 100,000 people among the participants who didn’t consume artificial sweeteners. The number of cases increased to 346 for people who took in the most artificial sweeteners. 

Were Risks Higher Based On Different Sweeteners?

The study concluded that the risks of cardiovascular disease increased if participants consumed certain sweeteners. The consumption of aspartame, which is in NutraSweet and Equal sweeteners, increased the risk of stroke by 17%. Acesulfame potassium, sold under names like Sunett and Sweet One, was linked to a 40% increased risk of coronary heart disease. 

Because this was not a controlled study, the primary goal was not to determine if artificial sweeteners directly caused cardiovascular episodes. The results may have been skewed by the poor recollection of participants, regarding what they ate and drank. 

Is It Safe To Consume Artificial Sweeteners?

It’s natural for people to turn to foods or beverages with artificial sweeteners if they want to control blood sugar or lose weight. Unfortunately, this way of thinking is not healthy for the brain, heart, or body in general. Artificial sweeteners have been around for more than 100 years, though, originally found in the Sweet’N Low sugar substitute in 1879. Since then, researchers have found other artificial sugar substitutes like sucralose, aspartame, stevia, and xylitol. 

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, controversy and artificial sweeteners have gone hand in hand. There have been warnings and concerns about type 2 diabetes and weight gain, but results are varied and inconclusive. Despite concerns from health officials, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the consumption of artificial sweeteners safe. The caveat is that people do not exceed the acceptable daily intake for each sweetener. For example, the FDA says that a 132-pound person could consume 23 packets of sucralose (in Splenda) before exceeding the daily limit. 

The more artificial sweeteners you consume, the more you increase your risk of certain health disorders. As the study found, the participants that consumed more artificial sweeteners experienced higher rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. An occasional sweetener may not ruin your life, but regular consumption, especially in excess, may compromise your overall health. The general recommendation: limit your consumption altogether because foods that contain artificial sweeteners also contain other harmful preservatives, toxins, and chemicals. Consider switching to natural options like stevia, allulose, and monk fruit for better long-term health.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently proposed a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes and all flavored cigars. This effort aims to curb youth smoking and reduce the amount of tobacco-related fatalities, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Leading health officials and civil rights groups praise this step towards a healthier future. They say that the tobacco industry has aggressively marketed to Black communities and caused severe harm as a result, including higher rates of smoking-related deaths. 

A statement from April 28th, 2022, said that the proposed rules should help adult smokers quit. Ideally, banning flavored tobacco products like menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will prevent children from becoming the next generation of smokers. The evidence is clear that these types of tobacco products establish addictiveness and cause harm. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibited all characterizing flavors, besides tobacco and menthol, in cigarettes in 2009. They are also aiding the efforts to reducing the death rate from cancer by 50% over the next 25 years.

Although the ban wouldn’t take effect for another couple years, the FDA hopes that the ban will save lives and reduce chronic illness. In the U.S., about 480,000 people per year die from tobacco-related illnesses. The FDA will accept public comments for the next few months and then write a final regulation. Analysts expect that court challenges from the tobacco industry may set back the start date of the ban. 

Menthol Cigarette Use In the U.S.

In 2019, 18.5 million American smokers 12 years and older used menthol cigarettes, according to the FDA. The minty taste and aroma can counteract the irritation from standard, unflavored tobacco products. The minty flavor makes it easier for people to start smoking, and it increases the appeal of cigarettes to younger users. Additionally, menthol enhances the addictive properties of nicotine, making it more difficult for smokers to quit. 

If the FDA ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars went into effect, it could reduce the amount of people who smoke by 15% within 40 years. That would ultimately result in 654,000 fewer smoking-related deaths. The FDA also notes that up to 238,000 of the prevented deaths would be among Black smokers. Surveys indicated that 85% of Black smokers use menthol products, which exceeds the 30% of white smokers that use menthol products. The proposed rules will hopefully advance health equity by reducing tobacco-related health disparities, according to health experts. 

Flavored Cigar Product Standard To Reduce Youth Risk

When companies disguise the flavor of tobacco, smoking becomes more attractive to younger people. Strawberry, grape, cocoa, fruit punch, and menthol flavors make cigars easier to use, especially among youth. Surveys indicate that more than half a million youth in the U.S. use flavored cigars. In recent years, more young people tried a cigar every day than a cigarette. If the ban goes into action, the goal is to reduce the appeal of cigars and cigarettes to youth and young adults. This would decrease the likelihood of experimentation, nicotine dependence, and progression to regular use. 

It’s important to understand that the FDA cannot and will not penalize smokers for using menthol cigarettes. Additionally, local law enforcement agencies aren’t empowered to enforce FDA regulations. Instead, the FDA enforcement efforts aims to target manufacturers and sellers of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. These rules, however, will be subject to public comment before being finalized. Details about listening sessions and opportunities to comment will be available on the FDA’s website, should you be interested. 

In the peer-reviewed journal, Tobacco Control, a study to be published looked at a Canadian menthol ban. If the menthol cigarette ban went into effect in the U.S., more than 1.3 million additional smokers would quit, including the 381,000 African Americans, according to the leader of the study. Let’s see how this unfolds, but we can only hope that it helps reduce tobacco-related illness and death for people in the U.S. 

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We have a food problem in the United States. From frozen dinners and fried foods to processed snacks and condiments, Americans over-consume salt. It’s something that doctors warn adults about on a regular basis, but seldom do Americans take steps to reduce their sodium intake. New salt guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aim to crack down on salt intake. 

By putting out these guidelines, the hope is that food manufacturers and restaurants reduce the amount of sodium in their foods over the next 2.5 years. Although the guidelines are voluntary, reducing the amount of sodium by 12% in commercially processed, packaged, and prepared foods is the goal. The reason for these guidelines is because sodium is a main staple in the Standard American Diet. In fact, over 70% of the total sodium intake for the average American comes from added sodium during food manufacturing. 

Sodium In The United States

According to health surveys and medical research, the approximate daily consumption of sodium in America is about 3,400 milligrams (mg). The Dietary Guidelines for Americans for the years 2020-2025 says that the recommended daily allowance of sodium should be 2,300 mg for people aged 14 and up. The American Heart Association (AHA) applauded this decision, as excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Although it’s beneficial to educate the public about the dangers of consuming too much sodium, it’s not enough to stop people from overindulging. More than 4 out of 10 American adults have high blood pressure, with numbers increasing across minority populations. That’s not because people season their food with table salt. The problem is that the excess salt already exists in the packaged, processed, or restaurant foods people eat. Adding more table salt to the equation only worsens the problem. 

The Guidelines Are Only Voluntary

The FDA is not enforcing food manufacturers or restaurants to lower the amount of sodium they add to food. The dietary guidelines are in place for the knowledge of the general public, but people easily exceed these guidelines, especially in America. For example, the new 2,300 mg of sodium per day guideline is about half of what the average American adult consumes daily. This explains the higher numbers of hypertension throughout the country. Unfortunately, there is no mandate that enforces the amount of sodium added to food. 

The reality is that hundreds of thousands Americans die each year from chronic disease related to poor nutrition. Making food manufacturers and restaurants adhere to the newer sodium guidelines would be the best way to tackle this problem. It may not show positive results right away, but a gradual reduction over time would allow people’s palates to adapt to less sodium. Eating salty foods only makes people crave more salt, so reducing the amount of salt in food could potentially change eating habits. 

The Next Step

Lowering a person’s sodium intake from 3,400 mg per day to 3,000 mg per day is not enough. According to the AHA, reducing an American adult’s sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day could prevent about 450,000 cases of heart disease. Additionally, this could save about $40 billion in healthcare costs over a 20-year period. Most of all, reducing sodium intake can help improve quality of life. Simple math makes it clear: reducing sodium intake can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. If people make the effort to adhere to the new guidelines, their health will benefit in the long run. 

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